Members
of Berne's Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower steering committee break ground
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, to begin construction of the long-awaited clock
tower and adjoining plaza. Work will begin soon near the intersection of state
Route 218 and U.S. 27 in Berne, with a dedication ceremony set for July 31,
2010, during this year's Swiss Days celebration. The clock tower will stand
nearly 160 feet high and will include four large clock faces and animated
fiberglass figurines that will emerge to perform a reenactment of scenes from
the settlement of the city. The all-volunteer steering committee worked five
years to secure $3 million dollars in private pledges to construct the clock
tower and plaza.